Vernal keratoconjunctivitis clinical features and complications in 123 patients in Gaza Strip

Abstract EN

Objectives : This study was conducted to assess the clinical features and to detect ophthalmic complications of vernal keratoconjunctivitis in a group of patients who were treated in the Jordanian field hospital in the Gaza strip.

Methods : This was a prospective hospital-based study conducted on patients with vernal keratoconjunctivitis at the Jordanian Field hospital in the Gaza strip between 15 March and 23 May 2012.

Vernal keratoconjunctivitis diagnosis was made clinically.

Ophthalmic examination included visual acuity using Snellen chart, eyelids, conjunctivae, anterior segment, dilated fundus to assess the retina and optic discs, and intra-ocular pressure measurement using slit lamp biomicroscopy.

Results : During the study period 1,753 patients attended the eye clinic, 123 (7 %) of them were vernal keratoconjunctivitis sufferers.

Out of the 123 patients 72 (58.5 %) were males and 51(41.5 %) were females with a male to female ratio of 1.4: 1.

Their age ranged between four and 20 years with an average of 9.9 years.

Moderate and severe vernal keratoconjunctivitis were seen in 55 (44.7 %) patients.

Of the moderate and severe forms mixed vernal keratoconjunctivitis was the commonest type seen in 25 / 55 (44.5 %) patients, followed by limbal and palpebral, 20 / 55 (36.4 %) and 10 / 55 (18.2 %) patients, respectively.

Severe vernal keratoconjunctivitis was seen in 31 (25.2 %) patients: 16 (13 %) patients of mixed type, 9 (7.3 %) of limbal type, and 6 (4.9 %) of palpebral type.

One patient had Horner-Trantas dots that involve limbal and bulbar conjunctiva.

Conclusion : Young age presentation and male predominance agree with that reported in literature but the male to female ratio was less.

The commonest type was mixed followed by limbal and palpebral and this is different from that found in previous studies.

Blepharoptosis and conjunctival inclusion cysts were seen more frequently.

More representative sample over longer duration with collaboration of other local hospitals is needed to determine the true incidence, clinical features, complications, and seasonal variations of vernal keratoconjunctivitis in the Gaza strip.